New AEDs Installed at Schools Across District

DOTHAN, Ala. - Dothan City Schools began installing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at district schools on Monday, January 6. Recently, the district purchased 40 AEDs that will replace older, existing devices while providing additional machines at schools across the district. These devices will also be available at Dothan Wolves’ athletic events.

Dothan City Schools’ Director of Health Services, Blair Peterman, joined Tyrone Watson with Critical Training & Maintenance Monday at Dothan 6^th Grade Center. Principal Celeste Adams and her staff received training on the devices and emergency procedures in the event of a cardiac emergency. Staff at other district schools will soon receive training and installation of the devices.

The AEDs were made possible through funding from Sen. Donnie Chesteen and Rep. Paul Lee. The two local lawmakers donated $50,000 to provide these life-saving measures for Dothan City Schools’ students.

Dothan City Schools established a Cardiac Response Plan in May 2022. In August 2024, Governor Kay Ivey signed legislation – known as the John Wesley Foster Act -- requiring all public and private schools to have a cardiac emergency response plan. That legislation requires people to act during a cardiac emergency by calling 9-1-1, starting CPR, and using an AED on campus or at an athletic event.  

The installation of these machines ensures DCS compliance with the new law that will go into effect for the 2025-2026 school year. The donations received not only allowed Dothan City Schools to reach compliance goals but to exceed requirements by allowing the district to have multiple devices at each DCS location.